Dayo Olomu petitions resort over Redeemed pastor tragedy

Dayo Olomu

A British-born Nigerian community leader based in London, Dayo Olomu, has petitioned the management of Club La Costa World resort over the quick re-opening of a pool in which three Nigerians died recently.

A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Gabriel Diya, including his son Praise-Emmanuel Diya, and daughter Comfort Diya died in the pool on Christmas Eve.

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Diya, 52, was head of RCCG Open Heavens parish in Charlton, London before his demise.

In the petition, Mr Olomu said he was shocked to learn that the pool was “re-opened so soon – less than 48 hours after the tragic incident.”

He added: “I must say that your action is grossly insensitive and shows no regard whatsoever for the deceased and their family members.”

Reports say the police found that nothing was wrong with the pool’s filtration and pump system.

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Investigators were said to have paid particular attention to the pool’s filter system and taken samples of the water for analysis.

Olomu, however, quoted a man named Jorge Martin who said that a worker at the resort, responding to the vacationers’ cries for help, had difficulty getting out of the pool after jumping in to help the family members.

“Although the worker managed to retrieve the bodies, he also reported difficulties in getting out of the pool, describing the effect as being ‘like swimming in a wild river,’ according to Mr. Martín,” he said.

The community leader added: “Late Wednesday, your company said that investigators had already concluded that there was no problem with the pool’s systems, but the authorities said they had yet to reach such a finding.

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“This apparent disregard for life will cause many of your members to reconsider their membership going forward. Like millions others, I certainly will think twice about ever booking a holiday with you again.

“It is important that you do the right thing and close the pool until a thorough investigation is concluded.”